Currency processing machine with multiple internal coin receptacles

• US 6,318,537 B1
• Filed: 04/28/2000
• Issued: 11/20/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corporation (Crane Company)
• Original Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corporation (Crane Company)
• Inventors: Jones, John E., Jones, William J., Peklo, John C., Munro, Mark C., Seelenbinder, George T., Carver, Eric R., Brown, Cherrie L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chilcot, Richard
• Assistant Examiner(s): JAKETIC, BRYAN J
• Application Number:
  US09/562,231
• Time in Patent Office: 571 Days
• Field of Search: 194/346, 453/3, 453/4, 453/6, 453/10, 453/31
• US Class Current: 194/346
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 1/04 dispensing change equal to a sum deposited
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 11/0087 Banknote changing devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 11/009 Depositing devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 3/14 Apparatus driven under control of coin-sensing elements
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 9/00 Counting coins in combination with coin-sorting G07D3/16; Handling of coins not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/20 Automatic teller machines [ATMs]
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/202 Depositing operations within ATMs depositing in general G07D11/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/203 Dispensing operations within ATMs dispensing in general G07D11/00

Abstract

A currency processing machine in which a user deposits funds including coins of mixed denominations and paper notes is provided. The currency processing machine comprises means for receiving and counting the paper notes, a hopper for receiving the coins of mixed denominations, and means for determining the amount of the deposited funds. A sorting device sorts the mixed coins into denominations. A coin receptacle station for each denomination receives the sorted coins. Each of the coin receptacle stations includes a plurality of coin receptacles for holding the sorted coins and a coin distribution mechanism for selectively distributing the sorted coins between the plurality of coin receptacles.

Claims

1. A currency processing machine in which a user deposits coins of mixed denominations, comprising:

a hopper for receiving the coins of mixed denominations;

a sorting device for sorting the mixed coins into denominations;

a coin receptacle station for each denomination that receives the sorted coins, each coin receptacle station including a plurality of coin receptacles for holding the sorted coins and a coin distribution mechanism for selectively distributing the sorted coins between the plurality of coin receptacles in response to an external signal from a host system, the coin receptacles of the coin receptacle station being disposed in a plurality of columns, each column having a plurality of rows;

means for determining the amount of the deposited coins; and

means for converting the deposited coins into alternative funds available to the user.

2. The currency processing machine of claim 1 wherein the coin distribution mechanism includes a plurality of rotating distribution manifolds coupled to the sorting device for selectively distributing the sorted coins to at least one of the plurality of columns of coin receptacles.

3. The currency processing machine of claim 2 wherein each of the plurality of rotating distribution manifolds contains a pivotal coin chute.

4. The currency processing machine of claim 2 wherein the coin distribution mechanism further includes a plurality of linear distribution manifolds, at least one of the plurality of linear distribution manifolds being coupled to one of the plurality of the rotating distribution manifolds.

5. The currency processing machine of claim 4 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution manifolds includes a plurality of gates, each of the plurality of gates being adapted to direct coins to a corresponding one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

6. The currency processing machine of claim 4 wherein at least one linear distribution manifold is disposed above each column of coin receptacles, each linear distribution manifold being adapted to selectively distribute sorted coins into one of the plurality of coin receptacles disposed below the respective linear distribution manifold.

7. A currency processing machine in which a user deposits funds including coins of mixed denominations and paper notes, comprising:

means for receiving and counting the paper notes;

a hopper for receiving the coins of mixed denominations;

a sorting device for sorting the mixed coins into denominations;

a coin receptacle station for each denomination that receives the sorted coins, each coin receptacle station including a plurality of coin receptacles for holding the sorted coins and a coin distribution mechanism for selectively distributing the sorted coins between the plurality of coin receptacles, the coin receptacles of the coin receptacle station being disposed in a plurality of columns, each column having a plurality of rows; and

means for determining the amount of the deposited funds.

8. The currency processing machine of claim 7 wherein the coin distribution mechanism includes a plurality of rotating distribution manifolds coupled to the sorting device for selectively distributing the sorted coins to at least one of the plurality of columns of coin receptacles.

9. The currency processing machine of claim 8 wherein each of the plurality of rotating distribution manifolds contains a pivotal coin chute.

10. The currency processing machine of claim 8 wherein the coin distribution mechanism further includes a plurality of linear distribution manifolds, at least one of the plurality of linear distribution manifolds being coupled to one of the plurality of the rotating distribution manifolds.

11. The currency processing machine of claim 10 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution manifolds includes a plurality of gates, each of the plurality of gates being adapted to direct coins to a corresponding one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

12. The currency processing machine of claim 10 wherein at least one linear distribution manifold is disposed above each column of coin receptacles, each linear distribution manifold being adapted to selectively distribute sorted coins into one of the plurality of coin receptacles disposed below the respective linear distribution manifold.

13. A currency processing machine in which a user deposits funds including currency bills and coins of a plurality of denominations, the currency processing machine comprising:

means for receiving and counting the currency bills;

a plurality of coin receptacles for holding coins, a first set of the plurality of coin receptacles being associated with a first coin denomination, a second set of the plurality of coin receptacles being associated with a second coin denomination;

an input hopper being adapted to receive the coins of a plurality of denominations;

a sorting device coupled to the input hopper, the sorting device being adapted to sort the coins into denominations and to discharge coins out of a plurality of exit channels, each exit channel corresponding to one of the plurality of coin denominations;

at least one rotating distribution manifold coupled to the exit channels for selectively distributing the sorted coins between the first set of the plurality of coin receptacles and the second set of the plurality of coin receptacles; and

a plurality of linear distribution manifolds, at least one of the plurality of linear distribution manifolds being coupled to one of the at least one rotating distribution manifolds, the at least one linear coin distribution manifold being disposed above and being adapted to selectively distribute sorted coins to coin receptacles within the first set.

14. The currency processing machine of claim 13 wherein the at least one rotating distribution manifold contains a pivotal coin chute.

15. The currency processing machine of claim 14 wherein the at least one rotating distribution manifold is a generally hollow cylinder having a top surface and a bottom surface, the rotating distribution manifold having an inlet disposed in the upper surface and a plurality of outlets disposed generally towards an outer periphery of the bottom surface, the pivotal coin chute being adapted to receive the coins from the inlet and to selectively distribute the coins, under the force of gravity, to one of the plurality of outlets.

16. The currency processing machine of claim 15 further comprising a controller being adapted to pivot the pivotal coin chute among the plurality of outlets.

17. The currency processing machine of claim 13 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution manifolds includes a plurality of gates, each of the plurality of gates being adapted to direct coins to a corresponding one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

18. The currency processing machine of claim 13 wherein each of the linear distribution manifolds include an inlet, a plurality of outlets, and a plurality of gates being movable between an open position and a closed position, each of the plurality of gates in the open position being adapted to direct coins through a downwardly adjacent outlet to a corresponding one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

19. The currency processing machine of claim 18 wherein each of the linear distribution mechanisms further comprise:

a sensor being adapted to count the number of coins directed to each of the outlets, the sensor being adapted to produce a signal when a predetermined number of coins have been directed to one of the plurality of outlets; and

a controller being adapted to receive the signal from the sensor, the controller being adapted to individually move each of the plurality of gates from the closed to the open position upon receipt of the signal.

20. The currency processing machine of claim 13 wherein the first set of the plurality of coin receptacles are disposed within a column of coin receptacles.

21. The currency processing machine of claim 13 wherein the second set of the plurality of coin receptacles are disposed with a column of coin receptacles.

22. The currency processing machine of claim 21 wherein the column of coin receptacles has a plurality of rollers attached thereto.

23. The currency processing machine of claim 13 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution mechanisms include a pivotal coin chute.

24. The currency processing machine of claim 13 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution mechanisms include a movable belt directing coins to a cart, the cart being adapted to one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

25. The currency processing machine of claim 13 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution mechanisms include a movable ramp directing coins to a cart, the cart being adapted to direct coins to one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

26. The currency processing machine of claim 13 wherein the plurality of exit channels includes at least four exit channels.

27. The currency processing machine of claim 13 wherein the plurality of exit channels includes seven exit channels.

28. The currency processing machine of claim 13 wherein the each of the plurality of coin receptacles includes a coin bag holder.

29. A currency processing machine in which a user deposits funds including coins of a plurality of denominations, the currency processing machine comprising:

an input hopper being adapted to receive the coins of a plurality of denominations;

a first coin processing unit coupled to the input hopper, the processing unit being adapted to determined the aggregate value of the coins received from the input hopper;

an intermediate coin receptacle being adapted to receive a plurality of denominations of coins from the first coin processing unit and to hold the plurality of coin denominations received from the coin processing unit, the intermediate coin receptacle having an outlet being adapted to selectively discharge coins; and

a second coin processing unit coupled to the outlet of the intermediate coin receptacle, the second coin processing unit being adapted to sort the coins received from the intermediate coin receptacle and to discharge the coins out of a plurality of exit channels, each of the plurality of exit channels corresponding to a predetermined coin denomination to be processed, the second coin processing device being adapted to count the number of coins being discharged from each of the plurality of exit channels.

30. The currency processing machine of claim 29 wherein the first coin processing module comprises a coin sorter.

31. The currency processing machine of claim 29 further comprising:

a plurality of coin receptacles for holding coins, the plurality of coin receptacles being disposed in a plurality of columns, each column having a plurality of rows;

at least one rotating distribution manifold coupled to the exit channel of the second coin processing module for selectively distributing the sorted coins between at least two of the plurality of columns of coin receptacles; and

a plurality of linear distribution manifolds, at least one of the plurality of linear distribution manifolds being coupled to the rotating distribution manifold, at least one linear distribution manifold being disposed above an associated column of coin receptacles, each of the linear distribution manifolds being adapted to selectively distribute sorted coins to each of the coin receptacles disposed below the linear distribution manifold in the associated column.

32. The currency processing machine of claim 31 wherein the at least one rotating coin distribution manifold contains a pivotal coin chute.

33. The currency processing machine of claim 32 wherein the at least one rotating distribution manifold is generally hollow cylinders having a top surface and a bottom surface, the rotating distribution manifold having an inlet disposed in the top surface and a plurality of outlets disposed generally towards an outer periphery of the bottom surface, the pivotal coin chute being adapted to receive the coins from the inlet and to selectively distribute the coins, under the force of gravity, to one of the plurality of outlets.

34. The currency processing machine of claim 31 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution manifolds includes a plurality of gates, each of the plurality of gates being adapted to direct coins to a corresponding one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

35. The currency processing machine of claim 31 wherein each of the linear distribution manifolds further includes an inlet and a plurality of outlets, each of the plurality of gates being movable between an open position and a closed positioned, each of the plurality of gates in the open position being adapted to direct coins through a downwardly adjacent outlet towards a corresponding one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

36. The currency processing machine of claim 31 wherein each of the plurality of columns of coin receptacles has a plurality of rollers attached thereto.

37. The currency processing machine of claim 31 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution mechanisms include a pivotal coin chute.

38. The currency processing machine of claim 31 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution mechanisms include a movable belt directing coins to a cart, the cart being adapted to direct coins to one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

39. The currency processing machine of claim 31 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution mechanisms include a movable ramp directing coins to a cart, the cart being adapted to direct coins to one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

40. The currency processing machine of claim 31 wherein the plurality of columns of coin receptacles includes at least three columns of coin receptacles, and the plurality of rows of coin receptacles includes at least five rows of coin receptacles.

41. The currency processing machine of claim 40 wherein the plurality of columns of coin receptacles includes six columns of coin receptacles, and the plurality of rows of coin receptacles includes ten rows of coin receptacles.

42. The currency processing machine of claim 31 wherein each of the plurality of coin receptacles includes a coin bag holder.

43. The currency processing machine of claim 29 further comprising:

a first coin convey track coupled to the coin exit channels, the coin first convey path being adapted to convey coins to a coin dispensing module; and

a second coin convey track coupled to the coin exit channels, the second coin convey track being adapted to convey coins to a coin spout.

44. A currency processing machine in which a user deposits funds including coins of a plurality of denominations, the currency processing machine comprising:

an input hopper being adapted to receive the coins of a plurality of denominations;

a coin processing unit coupled to the input hopper, the coin processing unit being adapted to determine the aggregate value of the coins received from the input hopper, the coin processing unit being adapted to sort the coins received from the input hopper and to discharge the coins out of a plurality of exit channels, the plurality exit channels corresponding to the plurality of coin denominations to be processed;

a plurality of intermediate coin receptacles being adapted to receive coins from a corresponding one of the plurality of exit channels, each of the intermediate coin receptacles being adapted to hold coins received from the exit channels, each of the intermediate coin receptacles having an outlet being adapted to selectively distribute coins; and

a plurality of counters being adapted to count the number coins discharged from each of the outlets of the intermediate coin receptacles.

45. The currency processing machine of claim 44 further comprising:

a plurality of coin receptacles for holding coins disposed below the plurality of intermediate coin receptacles, the plurality of coin receptacles being disposed in a plurality of columns, each column having a plurality of rows;

at least one rotating distribution manifold coupled to the outlet of one of the plurality of intermediate coin receptacles for selectively distributing the sorted coins between at least two of the plurality of columns of coin receptacles; and

a plurality of linear distribution manifolds, at least one of the plurality of linear distribution manifolds being coupled to the rotating distribution manifold, at least one linear distribution manifold being disposed above an associated column of coin receptacles, each of the linear distribution manifolds being adapted to selectively distribute sorted coins to each of the coin receptacles disposed below the linear distribution manifold in the associated column.

46. The currency processing machine of claim 45 wherein the at least one rotating distribution manifold contains a pivotal coin chute.

47. The currency processing machine of claim 48 wherein the at least one of the rotating distribution manifold is a generally hollow cylinder having a top surface and a bottom surface, the rotating distribution manifold having an inlet disposed in the top surface and a plurality of outlets disposed generally towards an outer periphery of the bottom surface, the pivotal coin chute being adapted to receive the coins from the inlet and to selectively distribute the coins, under the force of gravity, to one of the plurality of outlets.

48. The currency processing machine of claim 45 wherein each of the plurality of linear coin distribution manifolds includes a plurality of gates, each of the plurality of gates being adapted to direct coins to a corresponding one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

49. The currency processing machine of claim 48 wherein each of the linear distribution manifolds further include an inlet and a plurality of outlets, the inlet being adapted to receive coins, each of the plurality of outlets being adapted to direct coins to a corresponding one of the plurality of coin receptacles, each of the plurality of gates being movable between an open position and a closed positioned, each of the plurality of gates in the open position being adapted to direct coins towards a downwardly adjacent outlet.

50. The currency processing machine of claim 45 wherein each of the plurality of columns of coin receptacles has a plurality of rollers attached thereto.

51. The currency processing machine of claim 45 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution mechanisms include a pivotal coin chute.

52. The currency processing machine of claim 45 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution mechanisms include a movable belt directing coins to a cart, the cart being adapted to direct coins to one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

53. The currency processing machine of claim 45 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution mechanisms include a movable ramp directing coins to a cart, the cart being adapted to direct coins to one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

54. The currency processing machine of claim 45 wherein the plurality of columns of coin receptacles includes at least three columns of coin receptacles, and the plurality of rows of coin receptacles includes at least five rows of coin receptacles.

55. The currency processing machine of claim 54 wherein the plurality of columns of coin receptacles includes six columns of coin receptacles, and the plurality of rows of coin receptacles includes ten rows of coin receptacles.

56. The currency processing machine of claim 45 wherein each of the plurality of coin receptacles includes a coin bag holder.

57. The currency processing machine of claim 45 wherein each of the columns of coin receptacles is adapted to separate into at least two sections.

58. The currency processing machine of claim 44 further comprising:

a first coin convey track coupled to the coin exit channels, the coin first convey path being adapted to convey coins to a coin dispensing module; and

a second coin convey track coupled to the coin exit channels, the second coin convey track being adapted to convey coins to a coin spout.

59. A method of processing coins with a currency processing machine, the method comprising:

receiving coins of mixed denominations with a hopper;

determining the aggregate value of the coins of mixed denominations received by the hopper with a first coin processing unit;

directing the coins to an intermediate coin receptacle;

selectively discharging the coins from the intermediate coin receptacle to a second coin processing unit; and

sorting the coins into individual coin denominations with the second coin processing unit.

60. The method of claim 59 further comprising:

transporting coins from the plurality of coin exit channels to a coin dispensing module with a first coin convey path; and

transporting coins from the plurality of the plurality of coin exit channels to a coin spout with a second coin convey path.

61. The method of claim 59 wherein the currency processing machine includes a plurality of coin receptacles for holding coins, the plurality of coin receptacles being arranged in at least a first column and a second column, each column having a plurality of coin receptacles, the method further comprising:

channeling at least one coin denomination from the second coin processing unit to a first distribution manifold;

distributing coins with the first distribution manifold between the first column and the second column;

channeling coins from the first distribution manifold to a second distribution manifold;

distributing the coins with the second distribution manifold to the coin receptacles within the first column.

62. The method of claim 61 wherein distributing coins with the first rotating distribution manifold further comprises rotating a pivotal coin chute.

63. The method of claim 61 wherein distributing coins with the second distribution manifold further comprises individually moving a plurality of gates between an open position and a closed position.

64. The method of claim 61 wherein distributing coins with the second distribution manifold further comprises counting the number of coins distributed into the coin receptacles within the first column.

65. The method of claim 59 wherein the currency processing machine includes a plurality of coin receptacles for holding coins, the plurality of coin receptacles being arranged in at least a first columns and a second column, each column having a plurality of coin receptacles, the method further comprising:

channeling coins from at least one of the plurality of intermediate coin receptacles to a first distribution manifold;

distributing coins with the fist distribution manifold between the first column and the second columns of coin receptacles;

channeling coins from the first distribution manifold to a second distribution manifold;

distributing the coins with the second distribution manifold to the coin receptacles within the first column of coin receptacles.

66. The method of claim 65 wherein distributing coins with the first distribution manifold further comprises rotating a pivotal coin chute.

67. The method of claim 65 wherein distributing coins with the second distribution manifold further comprises individually moving a plurality of gates between an open position and a closed position.

68. The method of claim 65 wherein distributing coins with the second distribution manifold further comprises counting the number of coins distributed into the coin receptacles within one of the two columns.

86. The currency processing machine of claims 65 wherein the each of the plurality of coin receptacles includes a coin bag holder.

69. A method of processing coins with a currency processing machine, the method comprising:

receiving coins of mixed denominations with a hopper;

sorting coins received with the hopper into individual coin denominations with a coin processing unit;

determining the aggregate value of the coins received with the hopper with a coin processing unit;

directing the each individual coin denomination to one of a plurality of intermediate coin receptacles, each of the intermediate coin receptacles corresponding to an individual coin denomination;

selectively discharging the coins from each of the intermediate coin receptacles; and

counting the number of coins discharged from each intermediate coin receptacle.

70. The method of claim 69 further comprising:

transporting coins discharged from each of the plurality of intermediate coin receptacles to a coin dispensing module with a first coin convey path; and

transporting coins discharged from each of the plurality of intermediate coin receptacles to a coin spout with a second coin convey path.

71. A currency processing machine in which a user deposits funds including currency bills and coins of a plurality of denominations, the currency processing machine comprising:

means for receiving and counting the currency bills;

a plurality of coin receptacles for holding coins, a first set of the plurality of coin receptacles being associated with a first coin denomination, a second set of the plurality of coin receptacles being associated a second coin denomination;

an input hopper being adapted to receive the coins of a plurality of denominations;

a sorting device coupled to the input hopper, the sorting device being adapted to sort the coins into denominations and to discharge coins out of a plurality of exit channels, each exit channel corresponding to one of the plurality of coin denominations;

at least one rotating distribution manifold coupled to the exit channels for selectively distributing the sorted coins between the first set of the plurality of coin receptacles and the second set of the plurality of coin receptacles; and

a plurality of linear distribution manifolds, at least one of the plurality of linear distribution manifolds being coupled to the at least one rotating distribution manifolds, the at least one linear coin distribution manifold being disposed above and being adapted to selectively distribute sorted coins to coin receptacles within the first set.

72. The currency processing machine of claim 71 wherein the at least one rotating distribution manifold contains a pivotal coin chute.

73. The currency processing machine of claim 72 wherein the at least one rotating distribution manifold is a generally hollow cylinder having a top surface and a bottom surface, the rotating distribution manifold having an inlet disposed in the upper surface and a plurality of outlets disposed generally towards an outer periphery of the lower surface, the pivotal coin chute being adapted to receive the coins from the inlet and to selectively distribute the coins, under the force of gravity, to one of the plurality of outlets.

74. The currency processing machine of claim 73 further comprising a controller being adapted to pivot the pivotal coin chute among the plurality of outlets.

75. The currency processing machine of claim 71 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution manifolds includes a plurality of gates, each of the plurality of gates being adapted to direct coins to a corresponding one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

76. The currency processing machine of claim 71 wherein each of the linear distribution manifolds includes an inlet, a plurality of outlets, and a plurality of gates being movable between an open position and a closed positioned, each of the plurality of gates in the open position being adapted to direct coins through a downwardly adjacent outlet to a corresponding one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

77. The currency processing machine of claim 76 wherein each of the linear distribution mechanisms further comprising:

a sensor being adapted to count the number of coins directed to each of the outlets, the sensor being adapted to produce a signal when a predetermined number of coins have been directed to one of the plurality of outlets; and

a controller being adapted to receive the signal from the sensor, the controller being adapted to individually move each of the plurality of gates from the closed to the open position upon receipt of the signal.

78. The currency processing machine of claim 71 wherein the first set of the plurality of coin receptacles are disposed within a column of coin receptacles.

79. The currency processing machine of claim 71 wherein the second set of the plurality of coin receptacles are disposed with a column of coin receptacles.

80. The currency processing machine of claim 79 wherein the column of coin receptacles has a plurality of rollers attached thereto.

81. The currency processing machine of claim 71 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution mechanisms include a pivotal coin chute.

82. The currency processing machine of claim 71 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution mechanisms include a movable belt directing coins to a cart, the cart being adapted to one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

83. The currency processing machine of claim 71 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution mechanisms include a movable ramp directing coins to a cart, the cart being adapted to direct coins to one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

84. The currency processing machine of claim 71 wherein the plurality of exit channels includes at least four exit channels.

85. The currency processing machine of claim 71 wherein the plurality of exit channels includes seven exit channels.

87. A currency processing machine in which a user deposits funds including currency bills and coins of a plurality of denominations, the currency processing machine comprising:

a plurality of coin receptacles arranged in a plurality of groupings of coin receptacles, each of the plurality of groupings of coin receptacles being associated with one of the plurality of denominations;

a controller being adapted to assign a certain number of the plurality of coin receptacles to each of the plurality of groupings in response to user input;

a hopper being adapted to receive the coins of a plurality of denominations

a coin processing unit being adapted receive coins from the hopper and to sort coins into individual coin denominations including a first coin denomination; and

a coin distribution network coupled to the coin processing unit, the coin distribution network being adapted to receive coins of one of the plurality of denominations and to distribute the coins to the associated grouping of coin receptacles.

88. The currency processing machine of claim 87 further comprising a user interface being adapted to receive input from a user.

89. The currency processing machine of claim 87 wherein the associated grouping of coin receptacles include at least two sub-groupings of coin receptacles, the distribution network including at least one rotating coin distributor being adapted to selectively distribute coins between the at least two sub-groupings of coin receptacles.

90. The currency processing machine of claim 89 wherein the at least one rotating coin distributor contains a pivotal coin chute.

91. The currency processing machine of claim 89 wherein the coin distribution network further comprises a plurality of linear distribution manifolds, at least one linear distribution manifolds being coupled to the at least one rotating coin distributor, the at least one linear coin distribution manifold being disposed above one of the at least two sub-groupings, the linear distribution manifold being adapted to selectively distribute sorted coins into the individual coin receptacles within the sub-grouping of the associated grouping of coin receptacles disposed below the linear distribution manifold.

92. The currency processing machine of claim 91 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution manifolds includes a plurality of gates, each of the plurality of gates being adapted to direct coins to a corresponding one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

93. The currency processing machine of claim 91 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution mechanisms include a pivotal coin chute.

94. The currency processing machine of claim 91 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution mechanisms include a movable belt directing coins to a cart, the cart being adapted to one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

95. The currency processing machine of claim 91 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution mechanisms include a movable ramp directing coins to a cart, the cart being adapted to direct coins to one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

96. The currency processing machine of claim 87 wherein the each of the plurality of coin receptacles includes a coin bag holder.

97. A currency processing machine in which a user deposits funds including currency bills and coins of a plurality of denominations, the currency processing machine comprising:

a plurality of coin receptacles including at least two subsets of coin receptacles;

a controller being adapted to configure the distribution of coins between the at least two subsets according to a selected operating configuration input by a user, a first operating configuration having each subset assigned to a corresponding one of the denominations with each subset corresponding to a different denomination, a second operating configuration having at least two subsets assigned to the same denomination;

a hopper being adapted to receive the coins of a plurality of denominations,

a coin processing unit being adapted receive coins from the hopper and to sort coins into individual coin denominations; and

a coin distribution network receiving coins from the coin processing unit and distributing coins according to the selected coin operating configuration.

98. The currency processing machine of claim 97 further comprising a user interface being adapted to receive input from a user.

99. The currency processing machine of claim 97 wherein each subset of coin receptacles comprises a column of coin receptacles.

100. The currency processing machine of claim 97 wherein the distribution network including at least one rotating coin distributor being adapted to selectively distribute coins between the at least two subsets.

101. The currency processing machine of claim 100 wherein the at least one rotating coin distributor contains a pivotal coin chute.

102. The currency processing machine of claim 100 wherein the coin distribution network further comprises a plurality of linear distribution manifolds, at least one linear distribution manifold being coupled to the at least one rotating coin distributor, the at least one linear coin distribution manifold being disposed above one of the subsets, the linear distribution manifold being adapted to selectively distribute sorted coins into the individual coin receptacles within the subset disposed below the linear distribution manifold.

103. The currency processing machine of claim 102 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution manifolds includes a plurality of gates, each of the plurality of gates being adapted to direct coins to a corresponding one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

104. The currency processing machine of claim 102 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution mechanisms include a pivotal coin chute.

105. The currency processing machine of claim 102 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution mechanisms include a movable belt directing coins to a cart, the cart being adapted to one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

106. The currency processing machine of claim 102 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution mechanisms include a movable ramp directing coins to a cart, the cart being adapted to direct coins to one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

107. The currency processing machine of claim 97 wherein the each of the plurality of coin receptacles includes a coin bag holder.

108. A currency processing machine in which a user deposits funds including coins of mixed denominations and paper notes, comprising:

means for receiving and counting the paper notes;

a hopper for receiving the mixed coins of a of a plurality of denominations;

a sorting device for sorting the mixed coins into denominations;

a plurality of coin receptacle stations for receiving the sorted coins, each of the plurality of coin receptacle stations being associated with a particular coin denomination, each coin receptacle station including a plurality of coin receptacles for holding the sorted coins and a coin distribution mechanism for selectively distributing a predetermined number of coins into each of the plurality of coin receptacles in response to an external signal from a host system, the coin distribution mechanism being adapted to terminate distributing coins to one of the plurality of coin receptacles in a coin receptacle station after a predetermined number of coins of the associated denomination have been distributed to that coin receptacle; and

means for determining the amount of the deposited funds.

109. The currency processing machine of claim 108 wherein the coin receptacles of the coin receptacle station are disposed in a plurality of columns, each column having a plurality of rows.

110. The currency processing machine of claim 109 wherein the coin distribution mechanism includes a plurality of rotating distribution manifolds coupled to the sorting device for selectively distributing the sorted coins to at least one of the plurality of columns of coin receptacles.

111. The currency processing machine of claim 110 wherein each of the plurality of rotating distribution manifolds contains a pivotal coin chute.

112. The currency processing machine of claim 110 wherein the coin distribution mechanism further includes a plurality of linear distribution manifolds, at least one of the plurality of linear distribution manifolds being coupled to one of the plurality of the rotating distribution manifolds.

113. The currency processing machine of claim 112 wherein each of the plurality of linear distribution manifolds includes a plurality of gates, each of the plurality of gates being adapted to direct coins to a corresponding one of the plurality of coin receptacles.

114. The currency processing machine of claim 112 wherein at least one linear distribution manifold is disposed above each column of coin receptacles, each linear distribution manifold being adapted to selectively distribute sorted coins into one of the plurality of coin receptacles disposed below the respective linear distribution manifold.

115. A method of processing coins with a currency processing machine having a plurality of coin receptacles for holding coins, a first set of the plurality of coin receptacles being associated with a first coin denomination, a second set of the plurality of coin receptacles being associated with a second denomination, the method comprising:

receiving coins of mixed denominations with a hopper;

sorting the coins of mixed denominations into individual denominations with a coin processing module;

discharging the individual coin denominations from the coin processing module though a plurality of exit channels, each of plurality of exit channels corresponding to an individual coin denomination;

channeling coins from at least one exit channel to a first distribution manifold;

distributing coins with the first distribution manifold between the first set of the plurality of coin receptacles and the second set of the plurality of coin receptacles;

channeling coins from the first distribution manifold to a second distribution manifold;

distributing the coins with the second distribution manifold to the coin receptacles within the first set of the plurality of coin receptacles.

116. The method of claim 115 wherein distributing coins with the first distribution manifold further comprises rotating a pivotal coin chute.

117. The method of claim 115 wherein distributing coins with the second distribution manifold further comprises individually moving a plurality of gates between an open position and a closed position.

118. The method of claim 115 further comprising arranging the first set of the plurality of coin receptacles in a column.

119. The method of claim 115 further comprising arranging the second set of the plurality of coin receptacles in a column.

120. The method of claim 115 wherein distributing coins with the second distribution manifold further comprises counting the number of coins distributed into the coin receptacles of the first set.